Limnological studies of waterfowl habitat in south-western New South Wales. I. Water chemistry

Abstract

Water chemistry in two impermanent wetlands in inland south-westem New South Wales was studied as part of a larger investigation into the relationship between water level rises and waterfowl breeding in such wetlands. Ionic dominances, nutrient levels and relationships between nutrient or ion and wetland, season, water level and moisture regime are considered. Sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride concentrations, conductivity and pH were inversely related to water level. Total loads of iron, phosphate, nitrate and sulfate increased as the wetlands flooded during wetting phases. Nitrate and phosphate levels in experimental tanks also peaked after flooding. The effect of wetland drying and reflooding on nutrient availability is discussed.